The National Anthem

That's volleyball drills second national anthem before a NASCAR race that I have been ashamed of. If you do not know the words, volleyball drills see yourself to either the northern or southern border of this country.

The first anthem was by the lead singer of Three Doors Down, Brad Arnold and then tonight's 'performance' was by Jessica Simpson. I really do not understand how these individuals do not a) know the correct words and b) respect the members of our military enough to learn and sing the correct words.

This summer during the Olympics, we got a glimpse of American at their best, both on the athletic field of play and in their displays of patriotism. Now, I am not saying that Jessica or Brad are unpatriotic, please do not take this that way. I am saying that seeing those athletes standing on the medal stand, listening to The Star Spangled Banner being played, watching them mouth the words or openly sing, sometimes with tears in their eyes is something very moving. I can not imagine what it feels like to be up there actually in that moment.

My opinion of a few athletes changed for the better because of the respect they showed their country and our national anthem. I will be the first to admit that I am not a fan of Kobe Bryant. But when I saw him on the medal stand singing, along with his teammates, it impressed me. Not enough for me to become a big fan but enough to at least respect him more. That may be a direct result of Coach K taking the time to let this team explore who they are as Americans and understand who and what they were representing while in Beijing. The two most moving medal stand images to me were Natalie Coughlin (swimming) and Kerri Walsh (beach volleyball). Natalie stood there proudly, singing, being moved to tears and calmly wiped her eyes at the end of the anthem...it was simple yet moving. Kerri also stood there proudly with her partner Misty May- Treanor, but with Kerri, you could tell she wanted to sing, and even started to, but couldn't get out but a few words before she needed a deep breath to collect the emotions which surely were overwhelming her at the time.

No one but those individuals knows how they were feeling or if this is what was really going on, but that is how I saw it from home.

I think many people in this country need to watch this video and then see if they will sing the words correctly or with a different type of emotion next time. As for Brad and Jessica, I hope there isn't a next time that I have to be subjected to that.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwsq7frSB5Q

Improve Vertical Jump - Helpful Tips To Increase Your Vertical Leap

Being active in any sport can help in strengthening the muscles of your body. This is already a great way to do your daily exercise. But although a lot of individuals want to be involved in sports, there are certain things that hold them back. Popular sports like basketball, football, and volleyball requires vertical jumping, and it's quite embarrassing if your jump is just a few inch higher than a can of sardines.

You will be the laughingstock of many people, and to make matters worse, volleyball drills will not have the courage to join such sports. But don't despair; with a little effort and useful tips, you can greatly improve your vertical jump.

The key to improving your vertical jump is to strengthen your muscle fibers and your legs. Check out these cool tips and start your way to higher vertical jumps.

- Start your workout everyday by muscle warm-ups and leg stretches.

- Your target is to build your muscle fibers volleyball drills you should do explosive stretching and jumping.

- If you want to achieve cardiovascular conditioning, do jump ropes. And remember if you want to get results fast don't forget to do this.

- Building your muscle can improve your ability to jump and another way is to sprint. Run up a flight of stairs using your toes, and then walk your way down. You can repeat this as many times as you can.

- Do elevated, explosive, and double jumps.

These are just simple ways to improve your vertical jumps. But if you want to get better results, you must have a program to follow. It's not true that people are born with the ability of high vertical leap. You have to develop and utilize certain muscles through exercises that help in increasing vertical leap.

You must be able to track your progress. By doing this at intervals, you can easily determine which exercises greatly improves your jump. You can also stop doing certain exercises that doesn't give enough results.

Your quad and calf muscles are very important. These muscles are found in your legs, and you must develop it. However, don't forget to seek advice from the physician, trainer, or coach on the right way to do such exercises because jumps usually result to ankle and shin injuries.

Make sure that you do calf raises regularly, and incorporate this workout in your program. Begin with small repetitions on both feet and gradually do it on one leg. You can also do toes push-ups and holding about ten seconds. And don't forget that whenever you walk, use your heel and toe. Try not to walk the normal way. You can also do this when running. You will eventually feel that your stamina will increase, and if this happens, you can increase your workout for another ten minutes.

After getting substantial results, don't stop with your exercises. You must do it consistently because best results are achieved through a sustained jump program. But this doesn't mean though that you can't take a rest. During the week's course, you can rest for about two days.

Don't expect results to come in days. Vertical jump exercises take a lot of time and this is the best way to avoid accidents or injuries. And after you've improved your vertical jump, you can show off your Michael Jordan leap.

For the ultimate guide to improve your vertical jump, please visit http://www.how-to-go-up-strong.com/

An Honest Assessment of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games - Case Study

The 2008 Beijing Olympic Games have now come to volleyball drills close, and China had spent billions in infrastructure to see that it was a success. Their national honor had been tied to this event in their own eyes and the eyes of the rest of the world. The 2008 Beijing Olympic Games were a showcase to the World and a statement that China has arrived. So, how did China do hosting the Olympics?

Does it make sense to evaluate and assess their success, and to take a critical look at the challenges that plagued the 2008 Beijing Olympics? After all, without careful study, how can we improve future games and the world sports community? Did China reach its goal to show its strength and sense of Global Community?

Prior to the Olympic Games China was challenged with the volleyball drills pollution in Beijing, civil unrest in Tibet and the big Earthquake. China promised that they would have weather control devices preventing rain during the games, perhaps this promise was a little too optimistic, as it rained hard for 2 of the days and was quite drizzly for another 3 during the two-weeks.

China also had apparently broken the rules by allowing a 15-year old gymnast to compete, who won a Gold Medal, this is still under review and it could embarrass China greatly if she is disqualified. There were also accusation on the judging in several sports that appeared to be questionable scores to Chinese athletes. There were also some bad calls by judges in boxing, volleyball and several other sports, of course, these issues happen in all Olympics. Still, it is a source of embarrassment for the next Super Power of the Planet.

All-in-all the 2008 Beijing Olympic Summer Games were a huge success. China proved her sports prowess and the strength of character of their people. What a wonderful and gracious nation and host. You did good China and your friends in the United States are honored to have competed with you. Continued success.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Blog Content Service. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/.